W here to stay

Many LGBTQ+ travellers from India prefer an established hotel chain for their stay. “In metros, I would prefer an international group of hotels where there’s no discrimination. For most of these brands, being hospitable means being inclusive. They treat you as a client – whatever be your gender identity,” says Pranay Baidya, a fashion designer and an obsessive traveller, adding, “In India, the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group has inclusivity as its brand mandate but none of the others have expressed that.” Agrees Kalsia, “The Lalit welcomes all and in Delhi, its club Kitty Su is very popular. The group is open to LGBTQ+ people and employs trans and the differently abled as well.” Baidya explains, “But it's not always a hotel's policies that matter. Inclusivity is a humane obligation.”

Boutique hotels like Suryagarh in Jaisalmer and Mary Budden Estate in Binsar are favoured as “they are creating genuine loyalty for LGBTQ customers,” says Baidya.

Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner and the Aramness in Gir are preferred as well.

But India is fast becoming more inclusive. Singla recalls how till about a decade ago, people would laugh at the concept of an LGBTQ-special travel agency and even hoteliers were uncomfortable. “Today, everyone is taking this genre seriously,” Singla says. Explains Keshav Suri, executive director, the Lalit Group, and the India head of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation, "I am confident we will be able to create more safe spaces in India for all travellers. The growth story of India is only starting and the power of pink money can be a strong contributor to the GDP.”

Kalsia advocates the use of genderneutral terms to make everyone feel comfortable.

Among international destinations too, a few are preferred over others. “I love Sidney; it’s such an easy place. You can go to Bondi Beach and just be yourself – you don’t have to hide your gender identity. In Paris, my partner and I went about doing our own thing. We found accommodation with Mister b&b, an inclusive property run by gay men. There are similar places for queer women too. I like Madrid, which is extremely popular among LGBTQ+ travellers, and even Bangkok,” says Baidya, explaining, “When we travel, we don't just spend time with other LGBTQ+ people. We explore festivals, art shows and enjoy shopping trips. We want to travel to a destination that is fun, inclusive, safe and offers good value for money!”

But there are some countries that are often avoided. “There are some countries that are not welcoming to our community. I would like to avoid them,” says Kalsia. Baidya, too, finds certain countries unsafe: “I usually travel alone and safety is most important." Most seasoned LGBTQ+ travellers advise checking a country's laws and talking to local residents before planning a trip.

Travel abroad

Soho and its LGBTQ neighbourhoods. So is Paris and New York.

Experts say it's important to educate guides, drivers, guards, janitors and everyone associated with the travel industry about the LGBTQ+ community.